How potential Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa trades could affect Ty Simpson’s draft position

Aug 30, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson (15) looks to pass the ball against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Doak S. Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

The 2026 NFL Draft could be the first time in nearly two decades that Alabama does not have a player chosen in the first round, and quarterback Ty Simpson is one of the players who could keep this streak alive, but his draft position could be affected if two former Alabama quarterbacks are dealt in trades to teams in need of a quarterback.

If there is one thing that NFL fans learned this season, it is that if a quarterback does bad on one team, it doesn’t mean he’ll play bad on another team. The model for this idea is Sam Darnold and the reigning Super Bowl champs, the Seattle Seahawks.

Two quarterbacks who are rumored to be traded this offseason are Mac Jones and Tua Tagovailoa. Jones had poor showings in his final years with the New England Patriots, and he looked worse when he started for the Jacksonville Jaguars last year. However, he joined the 49ers this offseason, and he came up big for the team when Brock Purdy was injured, nearly winning every game he started.

For Tagovailoa, he’s only played for the Miami Dolphins, and the team benched him this year after a string of losses. The organization fired Mike McDaniel and hired Jeff Hafley from the Green Bay Packers, but there is no official word on whether Tagovailoa will be starting for the team next season or not.

The former Alabama quarterbacks could see some interest from teams in need of a quarterback, especially Jones after the way he played in the games he started for the 49ers. Another non-Alabama name to throw in the trade mix is Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray. However, if teams want to take the Seahawks/Darnold route, that will bring up questions surrounding Simpson’s draft status.

Are NFL teams done with starting a rookie quarterback and trying to develop him? This is a question that could be answered in this year’s draft or next year too. The Las Vegas Raiders are projected to take Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, but he may be the only quarterback taken in the first round if Simpson slides to Day 2.

The New York Jets have not found a franchise quarterback in the last few decades and continue to roll out new names each season. The Jets are in a good position to take Simpson if they want to, but will they take the veteran quarterback route and trade for Jones, Tagovailoa, Murray or another veteran backup that is in the mix?

The Pittsburgh Steelers do not have a decision from Aaron Rodgers yet, and the team could try to take Simpson and sign a veteran if Rodgers is done in Pittsburgh.

Simpson will do the NFL combine drills on Saturday, and he will have an opportunity to establish himself as a first-round talent.

In 2025, Simpson finished the season with 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns and five picks.

Simpson may be the most intriguing prospect in this year’s draft simply because no one can figure out a landing spot for him, but maybe a good showing in his throwing session and combine drills will help establish a landing spot for him.